Cassell's History of England, Vol. 1 (of 8) From the Roman Invasion to the Wars of the Roses
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE REIGN OF RICHARD II.
Accession of the King--Attitude of John of Gaunt--Patriotic Government--Insurrection of the Peasantry--John Ball--The Poll-tax--Wat Tyler--The Attack on London--The Meeting at Mile End--Death of Wat Tyler, and Dispersion of the Insurgents--Marriage of the King--Expedition of the Bishop of Norwich--Death of Wycliffe--Unpopularity of Lancaster--He Retires to Spain--Gloucester Attacks the Royal Favourites--Committee of Reform--The Lords Appellant--The Wonderful Parliament--Richard sets Himself Free--His Good Government--Expedition to Ireland--Marriage with Isabella of France--The King's Vengeance--Banishment of Hereford and Norfolk--Arbitrary Rule of the King--His Second Visit to Ireland--Return of Hereford--Deposition and Murder of Richard 449